Alexander Kurenkov, who leads the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations, presented the medal “For the Commonwealth of Nations in the Name of Liberation” to Roman Kurynin, the head of Roszdravnadzor for Moscow and the Moscow Region. The presentation came through the ministry’s press office, which noted the moment as a recognition of courageous service.
The department head expressed gratitude to Kurynin for stepping forward with a visible civilian commitment during a critical in-flight emergency. The remarks highlighted that Kurynin’s quick, decisive actions demonstrated leadership and selflessness when a fellow passenger faced a life-threatening medical event.
According to the account, the incident occurred as the aircraft was en route from Sochi to Moscow. During the flight, one of the flight attendants collapsed due to cardiac arrest. Because Kurynin is trained as a physician, he immediately began resuscitation procedures, applying the standard life‑saving measures that professionals learn in medical settings.
After the rapid response, the crew arranged an emergency landing in Volgograd to ensure the passenger received timely medical care. Medical staff on the ground evaluated the situation and took over when the aircraft landed, with subsequent reports indicating stabilization and continuing assessment by doctors.
As the situation unfolded on the ground, the broader timeline noted that a man previously residing in Nizhnevartovsk was admitted to hospital with a stroke. While the details of this second medical event were not connected to the in-flight emergency, the two incidents underscored the importance of trained responders and rapid medical intervention in critical moments.